EltaMD Foaming Facial Cleanser, Exfoliating Face Cleanser, Helps Remove Oil and Dead Skin Cells, Safe for All Skin Types, Oil Free, Paraben Free, Sensitivity Free, Sensitive Skin Face Wash, 7 Oz Pump

Common questions

Is EltaMD Foaming Facial Cleanser, Exfoliating Face Cleanser, Helps Remove Oil and Dead Skin Cells, Safe for All Skin Types, Oil Free, Paraben Free, Sensitivity Free, Sensitive Skin Face Wash, 7 Oz Pump healthy?

EltaMD Foaming Facial Cleanser, Exfoliating Face Cleanser, Helps Remove Oil and Dead Skin Cells, Safe for All Skin Types, Oil Free, Paraben Free, Sensitivity Free, Sensitive Skin Face Wash, 7 Oz Pump scores 65/100 on Scout's independent analysis of ingredients, additives, and lab results — a fair-to-good score — solid, with tradeoffs. This face wash contains beneficial ingredients like Sodium Cocoyl Glycinate and Bromelain, which are gentle and help maintain the skin's moisture barrier.

Which ingredients drive EltaMD Foaming Facial Cleanser, Exfoliating Face Cleanser, Helps Remove Oil and Dead Skin Cells, Safe for All Skin Types, Oil Free, Paraben Free, Sensitivity Free, Sensitive Skin Face Wash, 7 Oz Pump's score?

In Scout's ingredient-by-ingredient analysis, Sodium Cocoyl Glycinate, Sodium Cocoyl Apple Amino Acids, Bromelain count in its favor; Acrylates Copolymer, Phenoxyethanol, Propylene Glycol are flagged as ingredients of concern. The full breakdown, with why each one matters, is in the Key ingredients section on this page.

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EltaMD Foaming Facial Cleanser, Exfoliating Face Cleanser, Helps Remove Oil and Dead Skin Cells, Safe for All Skin Types, Oil Free, Paraben Free, Sensitivity Free, Sensitive Skin Face Wash, 7 Oz Pump

EltaMD
65 Fair

Analysis updated September 2026 · How Scout scores

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At a glance

Beneficial ingredients 3
Harmful ingredients 4
Owned by Colgate-Palmolive
Category Face Wash
Summary

This face wash contains beneficial ingredients like Sodium Cocoyl Glycinate and Bromelain, which are gentle and help maintain the skin's moisture barrier. However, the presence of phenoxyethanol and fragrance, which can cause irritation and allergic reactions, lowers its safety profile. The product also includes PEG/PPG compounds, which contribute to a moderate level of processing, affecting the overall score.

Key ingredients 25

Sodium Cocoyl Glycinate
Good

Sodium Cocoyl Glycinate is a mild surfactant derived from coconut oil and glycine. It is known for its gentle cleansing properties and is less likely to irritate the skin compared to harsher surfactants. It helps maintain the skin's natural moisture barrier.

Risks

There are minimal risks associated with this ingredient, though very sensitive skin might still react.

Benefits

It provides gentle cleansing without stripping the skin of its natural oils.

See more about Sodium Cocoyl Glycinate →
Sodium Cocoyl Apple Amino Acids
Good

This ingredient is a mild surfactant derived from apple amino acids and coconut oil. It is known for its gentle cleansing properties and is suitable for sensitive skin. It helps in maintaining the skin's natural moisture balance.

Risks

There are minimal risks associated with this ingredient.

Benefits

It provides gentle cleansing and helps maintain skin moisture.

Bromelain
Good

Bromelain is an enzyme derived from pineapples, known for its exfoliating properties. It helps in removing dead skin cells and promoting skin renewal. It is beneficial for improving skin texture.

Risks

May cause irritation in very sensitive skin types.

Benefits

It aids in exfoliation and improves skin texture.

See more about Bromelain →
Water
Neutral

Water is a common solvent used in cosmetics to dissolve other ingredients. It helps in forming the base of the product. It does not have any direct benefits or risks in this context.

Risks

There are no significant risks associated with water in cosmetics.

Benefits

Water helps in dissolving other ingredients and provides a medium for them to function.

See more about Water →
Methyl Perfluoroisobutyl Ether
Neutral

Methyl Perfluoroisobutyl Ether is used for its ability to enhance the spreadability of the product. It is a fluorinated compound that provides a silky feel. It is generally considered safe in cosmetics.

Risks

There are concerns about bioaccumulation and environmental impact.

Benefits

It improves the spreadability and feel of the product on the skin.

Methyl Perfluorobutyl Ether
Neutral

Similar to Methyl Perfluoroisobutyl Ether, this ingredient is used to enhance the texture and spreadability of the product. It provides a smooth application. It is considered safe for use in cosmetics.

Risks

Potential environmental concerns due to bioaccumulation.

Benefits

It enhances the product's texture and application.

Magnesium Silicate
Neutral

Magnesium Silicate is used as an absorbent and anti-caking agent in cosmetics. It helps in improving the texture and stability of the product. It is generally considered safe for use.

Risks

Inhalation of fine particles can be a concern, but this is not typically an issue in liquid formulations.

Benefits

It helps in maintaining the product's texture and prevents caking.

PEG/PPG-14/4 Dimethicone
Neutral

This is a silicone-based compound used for its conditioning and smoothing properties. It helps in providing a silky feel to the skin. It is generally considered safe for use in cosmetics.

Risks

There are concerns about potential buildup on the skin.

Benefits

It provides a smooth and silky feel to the skin.

Polyhydroxystearic Acid
Neutral

Polyhydroxystearic Acid is used as an emulsifier and thickening agent in cosmetics. It helps in stabilizing the formulation. It is generally considered safe for use.

Risks

There are minimal risks associated with this ingredient.

Benefits

It helps in stabilizing and thickening the product.

See more about Polyhydroxystearic Acid →
Isononyl Isononanoate
Neutral

Isononyl Isononanoate is an emollient that provides a smooth application and helps in moisturizing the skin. It is commonly used in cosmetics for its non-greasy feel. It is considered safe for use.

Risks

There are minimal risks associated with this ingredient.

Benefits

It provides a non-greasy moisturizing effect.

See more about Isononyl Isononanoate →
Ethylhexyl Isononanoate
Neutral

This ingredient is used as an emollient and skin conditioning agent. It helps in providing a smooth and soft feel to the skin. It is generally considered safe for use in cosmetics.

Risks

There are minimal risks associated with this ingredient.

Benefits

It provides a smooth and soft feel to the skin.

Sodium Cocamidopropyl PG-Dimonium Chloride Phosphate
Neutral

This ingredient is used as a conditioning agent and surfactant. It helps in cleansing the skin while providing conditioning benefits. It is generally considered safe for use.

Risks

There is a potential for skin irritation in sensitive individuals.

Benefits

It provides conditioning and cleansing benefits.

Sodium Hydroxide
Neutral

Sodium Hydroxide is used to adjust the pH of cosmetic formulations. It is effective in small amounts to ensure product stability. It is generally considered safe when used appropriately.

Risks

In high concentrations, it can be corrosive and irritating.

Benefits

It helps in maintaining the stability and pH balance of the product.

See more about Sodium Hydroxide →
Capryloyl Glycine
Neutral

Capryloyl Glycine is used for its antimicrobial properties and helps in maintaining skin health. It is effective in controlling the growth of bacteria on the skin. It is generally considered safe for use.

Risks

There are minimal risks associated with this ingredient.

Benefits

It helps in maintaining skin health by controlling bacterial growth.

Undecylenoyl Glycine
Neutral

Undecylenoyl Glycine is used for its antimicrobial properties and helps in maintaining skin health. It is effective in controlling the growth of bacteria and fungi on the skin. It is generally considered safe for use.

Risks

There are minimal risks associated with this ingredient.

Benefits

It helps in maintaining skin health by controlling microbial growth.

Sodium Bisulfite
Neutral

Sodium Bisulfite is used as a preservative and antioxidant in cosmetics. It helps in preventing the oxidation of other ingredients. It is generally considered safe for use.

Risks

Potential for allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.

Benefits

It helps in preserving the product by preventing oxidation.

Maltodextrin
Neutral

Maltodextrin is used as a binding and stabilizing agent in cosmetics. It helps in improving the texture and stability of the product. It is generally considered safe for use.

Risks

There are minimal risks associated with this ingredient.

Benefits

It helps in stabilizing and improving the texture of the product.

See more about Maltodextrin →
Coconut Acid
Neutral

Coconut Acid is used as a surfactant and cleansing agent in cosmetics. It helps in removing dirt and oil from the skin. It is generally considered safe for use.

Risks

There are minimal risks associated with this ingredient.

Benefits

It helps in cleansing the skin by removing dirt and oil.

See more about Coconut Acid →
Sodium Chloride
Neutral

Sodium Chloride is used as a thickening agent in cosmetics. It helps in improving the texture and viscosity of the product. It is generally considered safe for use.

Risks

There are minimal risks associated with this ingredient.

Benefits

It helps in thickening the product and improving its texture.

See more about Sodium Chloride →
Hexylene Glycol
Neutral

Hexylene Glycol is used as a solvent and viscosity agent in cosmetics. It helps in improving the texture and spreadability of the product. It is generally considered safe for use.

Risks

Potential for skin irritation in sensitive individuals.

Benefits

It helps in improving the texture and spreadability of the product.

See more about Hexylene Glycol →
Tetrasodium Glutamate Diacetate
Neutral

Tetrasodium Glutamate Diacetate is used as a chelating agent in cosmetics. It helps in enhancing the effectiveness of preservatives. It is generally considered safe for use.

Risks

There are minimal risks associated with this ingredient.

Benefits

It enhances the effectiveness of preservatives in the product.

See more about Tetrasodium Glutamate Diacetate →
Acrylates Copolymer
Bad

Processed additive flagged under Scout's ingredient doctrine.

Risks

There is a minimal risk of skin irritation, especially in sensitive individuals.

Benefits

It helps in improving the texture and stability of the product.

See more about Acrylates Copolymer →
Phenoxyethanol
Bad

Phenoxyethanol is a preservative used to prevent microbial growth in cosmetics. It is effective in low concentrations but can cause irritation in some individuals. It is a common alternative to parabens.

Risks

Potential skin irritation and allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.

Benefits

It helps in preserving the product by preventing microbial growth.

See more about Phenoxyethanol →
Propylene Glycol
Bad

Processed additive flagged under Scout's ingredient doctrine.

Risks

Potential for skin irritation in sensitive individuals.

Benefits

It helps in retaining moisture and improving product texture.

See more about Propylene Glycol →
Fragrance
Very Bad

Fragrance is used to provide a pleasant scent to cosmetics. However, it can cause irritation and allergic reactions in sensitive individuals. It is often criticized for its potential to cause skin sensitivity.

Risks

Potential for skin irritation and allergic reactions.

Benefits

It provides a pleasant scent to the product.

See more about Fragrance →

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